A Reveal-It-All Guide To Bhutan’s Jigme Dorji National Park
Jigme Dorji National Park is a park of its kind in the whole of Bhutan, where Takin – the national animal, Blue Poppy – the national flower, Raven – the national bird and Cypress – the national tree, flourish in perfect unity. With over 300 bird species, the park serves as home to animals like serow, Indian leopard, sambar deer, barking deer, pika, marmot, goral etc. Thanks to tireless conservation efforts, many endangered species like snow leopard, clouded leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, Bengal tiger, red panda, spotted lynx, Ussuri dhole, black musk deer and Himalayan black bear flourish here.
Basic facts about Jigme Dorji National Park
Place: Covers Paro District, Punakha District, Wangdu Phodrang District and northern parts of Thimphu District as well as the entire Gasa District.
Jigme Dorji National Park Entry Fee: 150 INR
Time: 9 AM to 5 PM (Monday to Friday)
Jigme Dorji National Park in Thimphu, Bhutan also shelters over 300 medicinal plant species along with 39 butterflies and 5 reptiles. As monitored by the World Wildlife Fund, this park is the first place where Bengal tigers share habitat with snow leopards at an altitude of 4000 meters with different topography.
Established in the year 1974 and named after Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, it is the second largest national park in the country. It is a trekking paradise and also a protected habitat for over 6500 Laps, a semi-nomadic people living within the park, who practice animal husbandry and agriculture.
How to reach Jigme Dorji National Park?
When you are wondering how to get to Jigme Dorji National Park, you will be offered both air and road options.
By air: Now, as you know in which country Jigme Dorji National Park is located, you can take a flight to Paro International Airport and then take a bus or taxi as per your convenience. There is no other airport near the park, so you will have to opt for a bus or car journey which will take around 5 hours depending on traffic.
by road: The best way to reach the park is by road and the route from Thimphu to Jigme Dorji National Park is the most convenient. If there is no disruption in traffic it will take about 4 hours, but it is better to keep an hour and a half in hand as a buffet considering the traffic on the roads. If you take a taxi from North Bengal in India, you can also avail regional pricing for taxi service.
Best time to visit Jigme Dorji National Park
With an area of more than 4316 square kilometers, Jigme Dorji National Park tour can be planned at any time of the year, but you will have to keep an eye on the monsoon rains on the varied topographic region within the altitude of 1000 to 7000 meters. The park is a popular attraction for trekkers from all over the world and most of them choose the safe period from March to October to witness the blooming of wild flowers. Moreover, September is considered to be the best time to see snow leopards.
Jigme Dorji National Park in Bhutan covers the three climatic zones prevalent in the country with its high altitude difference. There are snowfields that remain frozen throughout the year while the broadleaf forests also have warm and cool subzones. While the alpine meadows have moderate temperatures, the medicinal baths and hot springs at higher altitudes perfectly complement the cooler climate on the higher altitude slopes.
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Places to Visit in Jigme Dorji Park
With a Jigme Dorji National Park travel guide you can enjoy trekking through broad-leaf forest or a wildlife safari through alpine meadows and even at higher altitudes in search of Bengal Tigers, Satyr Tragopan or Snow Leopard. can enjoy. Here are some places you can go in the park:
1. Mount Jomolhari
The 7326 meter high peak known as the Bride of Kangchenjunga is located on the borders of China, Tibet and Bhutan. It gives rise to Paro Chu and Amo Chu from the southern and northern banks respectively. A sacred peak for Tibetan Buddhists, the southern slope houses Jomolhari Temple, Gyalwa Lorepa, Milarepa and Tsheringma ‘Spirit Lake’, which can be reached with moderate treks.
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2. Mount Jichu Drake
With twin peaks and varying heights ranging from 6714 m to 6989 m, Jichu Drek stands near Mount Chomolhari and is a sacred peak dedicated to the guardian deity who looks after Paro and the surrounding areas. It is a popular mountaineering destination.
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3. Tserim Kang
At an altitude of 6532 metres, Tserim Kang or Tserimgang Jigme Dorji National Park on the Bhutan-Tibet border is one of the popular destinations for trekking. It stands near Chomolhari and Jichu Drake flows between them. The Mo Chhu River also drains the eastern and southern sides of the mountain. The catchment area of Duoqing Company is located on the northern slope.
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4. Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong
A monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu sects, this administrative center is located at an altitude of 4150 meters and is run by the head lama of the district monastic body. This fort is of historical importance.
5. Gasa Dzong
Also known as Gasa Tashi Tongmon Dzong, this administrative center on the northwestern edge of the country looks stunning with its 17th-century whitewashed wall architecture. At an altitude of 2850 metres, it overlooks the mountain peaks.
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6. Glaciers and alpine areas
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For Jigme Dorji National Park safari, the glacial lakes and glaciers of Laya and Lunana Gewogs surrounded by alpine meadows would be the best choice as here you will find Himalayan peaks, colorful lakes, grazing yaks and blue sheep, gurgling rivers, medicinal will get everything. Baths, hot springs, waterfalls and flowers like blue poppy, edelweiss, rhododendron and orchids. Underneath the mist and clouds, you might spot elusive animals like leopards or venture a little further into the warm broadleaf forest to see Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Tawny Fish Owl and White-bellied Heron.
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Accommodation in Jigme Dorji National Park
Although there are no accommodation options inside the park, there are some Jigme Dorji National Park accommodation options nearby.
1. Jhingkham Resort
Brahming Bhutanese architecture with large wooden frames, exposed stone walls and large wooden balconies, this 3-star resort has a bar- lounge area along with a restaurant and business centre. Pets are allowed here. Tea/coffee making machines and newspaper service are complimentary.
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2. Khuru Resort
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Those looking for a budget hotel in a rural area can choose the 3-star Khuru Resort which offers free WiFi, free parking, laundry facilities and a business centre. Spa service is also included.
3. Dhensa Boutique Resort
This 4-star boutique resort in Nepal is situated on a hilltop overlooking misty mountain ranges. With rooms that can accommodate up to three guests, you’ll get enclosed balconies, free internet, free breakfast, minibars, sitting areas and flat-screen TVs.
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So, when are you visiting Jigme Dorji National Park? Book your Bhutan trip with TourTravelHotels for an exciting and memorable trip.
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